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Patients involved in patient safety

Alamogordo Daily NewsBy Claudia Enriquez 49th Medical Group

Posted:
08/01/2013 12:03:51 PM MDT

"When patients and their families are educated and understand why and how they need to actively participate in their care and when they feel empowered to do so, their involvement can help to prevent medical errors and enhance safety."

The Joint Commission Patients as Partners: How to Involve Patients in Their Own Care Patients Care 2006.

Here are some tips:

• Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns, and make sure you understand the answers. Take a relative or friend to your appointment to help you ask questions.

• Keep and bring a list of all the medicines you take. Give your doctor or pharmacist a list of all the medicines that you take, including non-prescription medicines and supplements.

•Report any drug allergies and ask about side-effects and things you should avoid while ta ing the medicines.

• Get the results of any test or procedure. Ask how and when you will get the results of tests or procedures. Don't assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected, whether it's in person, by phone or through MiCare. Call the clinic for your results or place a telephone consult to your provider's nurse.

• Remember you are a very valuable part of your healthcare team, and patient safety begins with you through involvement.